K5 Argiñano

K55 Hondarrabi Zuri Sobre Lias Txakolina – 2018

Region: Spain - País Vasco

K5 Argiñano

Bodega K5 Argiñano is a modern vineyard estate located on a hillside near the Basque village of Aia at 1000 feet above sea level overlooking the Cantabrian seaports of Zarautz and Orio. Founded in 2005 by Spanish celebrity chef Karlos Argiñano and four partners, the objective is to showcase the noble and age worthy quality of the indigenous Hondarribi Zuri and its ability to produce extractive, super-dry, mineralic whites worthy of the finest table. The ultra modern, gravity-flow bodega (designed by the famous architectural firm Alonso & Balaguer) is ideally matched to its environment and offers fabulous views of the surrounding countryside and seacoast. Thirty-eight acres of Hondarribi Zuri are dry farmed in slate and granite soils with yields limited to under 2 kilos per vine. To compensate extremely low pH levels, the wine is aged six months on the fine lees for complexity.

Reviews

90 Points

The 2018 K5[5] is their eighth vintage, by then from 12-year-old vines on slate and granite soils. The idea was always to age the wine with the lees to polish the acidity, which is quite high and also a key player in the wine’s aging potential. It fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured with the lees for 11 months. The 2018 feels young and a little riper, with more integrated acidity and a softer mouthfeel, perhaps easier to understand but not as sharp and vibrant as other cooler vintages. It has aromas of white fruit and a citrus touch, with a gentle palate. 2020 – 2023

Bodega K5 (previously known as Five Mahatsondo) was created in 2010 by three friends—Iñaki Burutxaga, Juanjo Landa and Karlos Arguiñano, a well-known TV celebrity chef. The wines are under the charge of winemaker Lauren Rosillo, who is also from Martínez Bujanda and Sedella.

© Wine Advocate, August, 2020